Rogers tells about college’s Foundation

May 16, 2013

Every building, no matter how large or small, needs a good foundation.

The same could be said of institutions of higher learning. Fortunately, the Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation helps provide the support the college needs to continue to innovate in its mission to provide lifelong learning.

Jolene Rogers, executive director of institutional advancement, told Estherville Rotarians Thursday how the foundation is helping the college in many ways.

Rogers reviewed a number of projects the college is working on now, including a 409-seat fine arts facility on the north side of the main building on the Estherville campus and the sustainable energy resource and training (SERT) facility in the former Medieval Glass building. She also reviewed the WindTech and KidWind conferences this Tuesday and Wednesday and the HVAC and water quality programs, also in the SERT building.

As for events, Rogers said the foundation holds nine scholarship events during the year.

Last year, the foundation awarded $815,975 in scholarships with an average award of $1,641. This year, $833,000 will be awarded, with 76.4 percent of applicants receiving at least one award. The average award will be $2,363, Rogers said.

Rogers asked Rotarians to consider serving on the foundation in a number of capacities.

She said more members are always needed on the scholarship foundation membership list as well as event committee members. She said help is also needed with event registration, meeting and greeting. Program advisory committee members are also needed, as well as student mentors, internship opportunities and business tours.

Another thing the college is doing is instilling within students a sense of philanthropy. That's happening now with six nurses going to Haiti to help move orphans from Port au Prince to a medical facility.

"Students are hearing the message and they're getting involved and that's what it's all about," Rogers said.